Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Great North Run fundraiser for Changing Lives has now raised more than £31,000 to support people facing the challenges of homelessness.
The Prime Minister completed the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday, wearing Changing Lives colours as he joined thousands of runners for the 45th Great North Run.
He crossed the finish line in 1:57:35, completing the course in under two hours and becoming the first serving Prime Minister to take part in the event.
Since then, the response has continued, with donations to Andy’s fundraiser taking the total beyond £30,000.
The money raised will support our frontline services working with people facing homelessness and the challenges that often come alongside it, helping people to find safety and stability and access the support they need to move forward.
Shining a spotlight on homelessness
Andy Burnham chose to run for Changing Lives after visiting our supported accommodation service in Newcastle on 19th August, where he spent time speaking with people we support and colleagues about their experiences.
The visit took place as the Government launched its “Everyone In for Christmas” drive, with a commitment to offer people sleeping rough a route off the streets.
Speaking ahead of the Great North Run, Andy said his visit had shown him first-hand the difference Changing Lives makes and what it can take for someone to rebuild their life following homelessness.
His support has helped bring our work, and the experiences of people facing homelessness, to a huge national audience over the past few days.
Stephen Bell OBE, Chief Executive of Changing Lives, said the support shown by Andy and everyone who has donated will make a real difference to our work.
“A safe place to stay is the start.”
Stephen highlighted that moving beyond homelessness is about much more than having a roof overhead. People can also need trusted relationships, practical help and continued support as they rebuild their lives and work towards a more secure future.
He added: “Thank you to Andy and to everyone running, donating and cheering on our team.”
Thank you for your incredible support
Changing Lives supports more than 14,000 people every year across England, including people facing homelessness, addiction, abuse and exploitation, contact with the criminal justice system and other significant challenges.
The response to Andy’s Great North Run has been incredible, from everyone who donated and shared the fundraiser to those who cheered him and the rest of our Changing Lives runners on along the route.
Every donation will help us continue to be there for people facing the challenges of homelessness, not only at the point of crisis, but as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Andy’s fundraiser remains open for anyone who would still like to donate and support Changing Lives.
